The Black Family Magazine - April 2022 Edition

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Dr. Monica D. Reed Founder & Editor-In-Chief of The Black Family Magazine

“When one woman is healed, a family will be healed” - Dr. Monica D. Reed

The Black Family Magazine has a mission to break generational cycles and heal from generational hurts and build generational wealth.

Our new platforms are dedicated to bringing solutions to families in the black community.

The platform has been designed to expand your awareness, uncover the truth, redefine life, renew strength, and help you build a new legacy of health and wealth for families with intentions of changing the narrative one family at a time.

Facebook & Instagram: @TheBlackFamilyMagazine www.BlackFamilyMagazine.com

Photo Credit: Jarvis Releford @ The Studio B Atl

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TABLE OF

CONTENT

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Lindria Dockett THE LIONESS BEHIND THE LENS

LaTasha Briscoe

Dr Theresa A. Moseley

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Dr. Renee Neely

Tajala Battle-Lockhart

Davetta Henderson

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Teleshia Delmar, The Wives Confidante

Charlotte A McDowell

Taunya Lynnette

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Audra L. Hill

Selena Robinson

Dr. Monica D. Reed

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Self Love Saniya Reed Confidence Coach “Digital Diva” - Saniya I. Reed

Paris Norwood How to Identify the Signs of Sexual Abuse

LINDRIA FORTE’ DOCKETT 4

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THE LIONESS BEHIND THE LENS LIONESS AMPLIFIED: I AM S.H.E. - The Collective Experience

Lindria Dockett is the

Lindria received the skills

CEO and Lead Visual

and knowledge needed

Marketing Director

to pursue photography as

at Lindria Dockett

a full time career. After

Photography. Two time

being blessed with the

Best Selling author and

birth of her second child

now the Visionary and

in 2015 (21 years after

Photographer behind

her first child) there was

Lioness Amplified: I AM

an insatiable desire to

S.H.E. -The Collective.

leave corporate america for good and put all of

After treating photography

her energy and gifts

as a hobby for most

into entrepreneurship.

of her preteen years

With the support of her

through adulthood,

husband, coaches and her

Lindria changed all of

“tribe”, Lindria Dockett

that in the spring of 2016

Photography was born.

when she found another native Washingtonian,

Driven by her desire to see

Celebrity Photographer/

people transform to reach

Instructor Derrel R. Todd

new heights, Lindria takes

and his infamous studio

great pride in working

affectionately named

with professionals,

The Bakery. It was in

entrepreneurs and high

The Bakery, through the

level performers as they

many courses taught, that

define, develop, and

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there is to know about the real estate industry — from negotiations to marketing, financing to loan programs.

Prior to launching her Photography business as a Full-Time profession, Lindria held Supervisory positions in the Lending and Member Services departments for PenFed And State Employees Credit Unions. then deliver their own

in her gift and she can

When Lindria is not

gifts upon the world. By

also be seen frequently in

capturing the image

capturing “true to self”

front of the camera also

on the next top selling

images, her clients can

- never wanting to forget

authors book cover, or the

promote themselves

what her clients may be

visual marketing images of

and engage with their

experiencing in a session.

entrepreneurs for global

community confidently

Lindria is committed to

distribution, or closing

and professionally

providing her clients with

real estate deals with her

knowing that their images

a positive and engaging

VIP clients, she can be

speak positively for them

experience that will

found doting over her

prior to walking into any

produce a product that

two sons (Drevian, 27 and

room.

her clients genuinely rave

Caleb, 6) or enjoying road

about.

trips to historic locations

Understanding the value

with her husband Aaron of

of having high impact

In addition to her very

images that allow her

successful Photography

clients to connect with

business, Lindria is also a

Lindria Dockett- Always

their ideal target market

seasoned Real Estate Agent

in Motion: Learning,

on a higher level is what

and has spent the last 15

Growing, Thriving

makes Lindria successful

years learning everything

16 years.

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Exclusive Interview

“THE VISION AND BEAUTY BEYOND THE LENS” With Celebrity Photographer

LINDRIA FORTE DOCKETT

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Black Family Magazine: What is the LIONESS AMPLIFIED: I AM S.H.E: The Collective Experience

Lindria Dockett: TheLIONESS AMPLIFIED: I AM S.H.E: The Collective Experience is a one of a kind Photographic Anthology, a compilation of powerful stories and photography to exemplify the Bold, Fierce, Instinctive, Protective and Strong character of a woman.

Coach - Mr. Derrel Todd. At the time of this particular call, I had only been out of his Photog 101 class for about two years. He was reaching out to see if I was open to photographing an international Girls Trip for his wife and three of her close friends. He had arranged a trip to London, England, Johannesburg and Cape Town South Africa for January of 2020 and wanted to send them with a photographer to capture their experiences. I had never been to any of those destinations and to be going

Black Family Magazine:

because of a passion that turned into

Lindria, can you share the inspiration

Truly the experience of a lifetime.

a career was and is still very euphoric.

behind the unique photographic anthology experience you call LIONESS

I could consume you with pages and

AMPLIFIED: I AM S.H.E: The Collective

pages of details on how amazing the

Experience?

ladies were, and how breathtaking the

Lindria Dockett:

scenery and culture was of each location -but for the sake of this story I am going

I have never underestimated the power

to take you to the place that inspired

of new experiences and the amount

this Book and The Collective of Women

of joy they can bring to your life. For

inside. The Lion & Safari Conservation

me - it was just understood that the two

Park in the North West Province in

went hand in hand. Period. It’s easy to

South Africa. The park is home to over

put a period right there and not think

80 lions and many other animals such

twice about it if you’re not intentional.

as the South African Cheetah, Hyenas,

However, what I did underestimate was

Wild Dogs, Jackals, Giraffe, Wildebeest,

what those experiences had the power to

Impala, Zebra, Ostrich and the such.

give birth to.

We visited many amazing locations on In May of 2019, I received a call from

this trip - multiple wine tours on exotic

my Photography Instructor/ Mentor/

landscapes, the Nelson Mandela Museum

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and Home, BUT NOTHING MOVED ME

or avoidance, or ignorance, or denial, or

MORE than the visit to the Safari. I’ve

hesitation, or even silence?

seen animals before - we all have right?!

We have National Geographic, Books,

Innately Bold! Innately Fierce!

Zoos and the internet blah blah blah…….

Innately Instinctive! Innately

But what I had never experienced

Protective! Innately Strong!

was being within arms length to these majestic creatures. Specifically the Lions during the Full Safari Tour which included what they called the “predator feeding”. I was in HEAVEN! My Nikkor 80-200mm zoom lens and

That is a Lioness. That is You. Amplified.

I had a window seat in the front of the modern safari truck fit for A Jurassic Park Expedition… or at least I hoped it was.

For over a year - the vision for this collective grew. Small pieces would

Mesmerized, I intently watched the

present themselves and then larger

different groups of Lions and cubs feed

pieces and then pieces that I’d never

and soon caught a glimpse of a White

conceived divinely appeared. That’s

Lion headed towards a lone Lioness.

when I thought I had the whole 360 of

Without hesitation, without cowering,

the project all figured and written out.

without an inkling of retreat, without

I knew the type of woman I wanted to

looking back over her shoulder to see

be involved in this experience. I knew

if she had any backup, the Lioness

the type of woman I wanted to reach.

postured herself into an attack/protect

I knew the age groups of the women

stance towards the oncoming Lion and

I wanted the finished project to reach

stood her ground. I don’t know what

and how the project should resonate

their history was or the dynamics within

with them. I knew exactly the power of

the pride -but her unwavering response

what their stories alone would and could

spoke to me on so many levels.

bring to the collective. I knew the type

As a Lioness, how many times, how many situations, how many opportunities were you not awarded the luxury of retreat,

of presence I wanted the book to have in millions of homes. I knew the depth of the stories and the beauty of the hearts of the women I hoped would say Yes.

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As a professional photographer to

I say all of that to say - even your photo

professional women I am proud to say that

has a story to tell. The images are to speak to those things- Your peace, power and

I have NEVER EVER taken a photo of an

your purpose. It’s to speak to the things

unattractive woman. NEVER!

that silenced your roar. They serve as a reminder not just for the collective but

I’ve NEVER taken a photo of a woman who

also for you that …..I’m still standing. You

was not beautiful!

did not break me. You didn’t win. Look at

I have NEVER taken a photo of a woman that “I” did not see the Lioness within.

Some have heard me say this before and it still rings true— “I just wish the women I photograph could see themselves the way that I do.”

During one of the group photo reveal sessions, there were few self-criticism from some of the ladies and I actually loved that I disagreed with most of them about what image was a plus and which was a bust and here’s why……

Lions rarely roar for no reason.

Lions roar to protect, warn, defend, demand, announce and to amplify their authority or position in the pride.

The Lioness here — in our pride— in our collective have been through some things, are going through some things, are protective about their peace, their pride (family) and their portfolio ($), the people they serve, and the mission of all things greater.

me. I took all the blows, the heartaches, the letdowns, the restarts, the insecurities, the abuse, the betrayals, (heck- for one of the ladies- just doing puberty has its own set of challenges) and I’m still here — ROARING!!!

Some images will show a more poised and direct image. Some will show a jovial sense of peace. Some will show an exuberant amount of confidence. Some will show how comfortable you are just being- in their own skin. And with these truths is how we collectively move forward. I Boldly Thank God Daily for these ladies …. and his guidance … and his covering….. and what he is designing and orchestra for us as a collective and even more so for each of you as an individual.

LIONESS AMPLIFIED: I AM S.H.E

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Lindria Dockett: When the Vision for this project began- I was all over the place- with questions, with direction, with content, indecision, timing, questioning if I could I verbally convey the vision the way that is painted in my mind while also trying not to scare you away with the insane amount zeal & excitement that rages in my heart.

Black Family Magazine: How long would you say it took for you to execute the vision for “I AM SHE” The Collective Experience?

Lindria Dockett: For over a year - this vision grew. Small

I knew exactly the power of what your stories alone would and could bring to the collective. I knew the type of presence I wanted the book to have in millions of homes. The idea was to be a group of lionesses.

Black Family Magazine: As you were scouting for women, what were some of your thoughts?

Lindria Dockett: God: The very women that you seek will NEED this project as much as or MoRe than the women you want to reach!

Hear my whole heart on this…..

pieces would present themselves and then

I have NEVER EVER taken a photo of an

larger pieces and then pieces that I’d never

unattractive woman. NEVER!

conceived divinely appeared and that’s when I thought I had the whole 360 of the

I’ve NEVER taken a photo of a woman who

project all figured and written out.

was not beautiful!

Black Family Magazine:

I have NEVER taken a photo of a woman

Was there a certain type of woman you

that “I” did not see the Lioness within.

were looking for to be a part of the “I AM S.H.E.” experience?

Black Family Magazine: As a professional photographer who has

I knew the type of women I wanted to

the opportunity to capture beauty from

be involved with the project. I knew the

another angle, what do you want more

type of woman I wanted to reach. I knew

women to know?

the age groups of the women I wanted the finished project to reach and how the project should resonate with them.

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Lindria Dockett: My clients have heard me say this time and time again— “I just wish the women I shoot could see themselves the way that I do.”#realtalk

lead their own tribe at times and no matter what the day calls for they keep their heads up and all four paws down.

The Lioness here — in our pride— in our collective have been through some

Black Family Magazine:

things, are going through some things, are

What did completing the I AM S.H.E.: The

(family) and their portfolio ($), the people

Collective reveal to you as the visionary?

they serve, and the mission of all things

Lindria Dockett:

protective about their peace, their pride

greater.

This project revealed how much bigger

The Black Family Magazine:

this collective is for all of us. It revealed the

They say a picture says a thousand words.

inner struggle some of us have with our

Would you agree?

body image, facial expressions, how our clothing fit, how our hair did or did not behave, and the list goes on. Some of the women just wanted to make sure that they didn’t somehow let me down. (They could never) I get it - I really do. This collective was very personal for not just me but each one of the women as well.

Lindria Dockett: Yes! Even your photo has a story to tell.

The images are to speak to those things Your peace, power and your purpose. It’s to speak to the things that silenced your roar. They serve as a reminder not just for the collective but also for you that …..I’m

Black Family Magazine:

still standing. You did not break me. You

We hear that your inspiration behind this

the heartaches, the letdowns, the restarts,

project was to bring out the lioness within

the insecurities, the abuse, the betrayals,

a woman. What exactly does that mean?

(heck- for one of you- just doing puberty

Lindria Dockett:

didn’t win. Look at me. I took all the blows,

has its own set of challenges) and I’m still here — ROARING!!!

Lions roar to protect, warn, defend, demand, announce and to amplify their

Some chosen images will show a more

authority or position in the pack. Lions

poised and direct image. Some will show

do what it takes—they fight, even submit

a jovial sense of peace. Some will show

when necessary, they leave one tribe to

an exuberant amount of confidence.

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Some will show how comfortable you are just being- in your own skin. With these realities is how we reach the masses. It’s how we retain our authenticity. It’s how we show our truth- in the most beautiful, polished and photographed way possible.

THIS is how we CONTINUE creating this amazing masterpiece.

The Black Family Magazine: How does our audience stay connected to you and the future I AM S.H.E.: The Collective Experiences?

Lindria Dockett: You may go to www.lindriadockett.com to get more information on our next I AM S.H.E.: The Collective Experiences and future photographic opportunities.

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I AM S.H.E. Strength - Humble - Evolved

I am Strength.

My Roar happened rather abruptly. Without warning, coaxing or any type of premonition of how it would show up. I almost added that there was also no preparation for the roar that was thrust upon me — but as hindsight would have it - I see now that my whole life, prior to this day, had been my time of preparation. As life would have it - there are some things you can never really be prepared for. You see, I first heard the roar of my own voice the day my mother died.

After an uneasy 45 minute commute into the office I got the call to return home at 7:30 a.m. on that unusually brisk Tuesday morning -September 1,

2009.. I knew something was off as I had not received my normal morning call after arriving in the office but I did not yet know how much my life was about to change.

And there I was, alone in my car preparing to make the 45-minute trip back home when I found out that all my childhood hopes of growing old with my mom had been stolen away. And-I- SCREAMED!!

And Screamed. I screamed until it felt like my voice was gone. I remember the song “God is Good” by Regina Belle was playing in the background. Right in that moment, the moment I perceive to be one of the lowest points in my life, God still found an earthly way to remind

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me that he was there and

mothers passing, I worried

am exaggerating a little

that He had not left me. It

myself into depression

bit but there really is

was in that moment that I

and anxiety wondering

not much there. It was

cried and asked God why

if I too would be taken

not then, nor is it now, a

he allowed her to survive

away from my daughter

place to vacation but it is

an abuser, to struggle

suddenly. It was shortly

where I call home. I was

through a valley only to

before my 30th birthday

awkward as a child and

be taken away suddenly at

when reality hit and I

I did not care to fit in. I

45 years old. For so long,

learned to truly trust God

was either too smart, too

I worried about her as I

as he started showing me

quiet, too shy, too skinny,

watched her enjoy small

that I was stronger than

or simply a goodie-two-

snippets of her life in

I gave myself credit for.

shoes. The list could go

between the turmoil of

Without the shoulder of

on with the adjectives I

events that always seemed

my mother, I was now

have described as in the

to be closely behind.

forced to be all she had

past. All those things may

Everything she forced me

encouraged me to be and

have been true, but my

to learn in preparation

still smile through all the

only goal in life was to

of that statement that

pain she left behind.

make my momma proud.

no child ever wants to

I wanted to show her that

hear from their parents

I am Humble.

when they remind us that

Not because I have some

was never in vain. I spent

“they will not be around

story where my family

my early years fighting

forever.” I was just really

struggled or meals were

depression, hiding abuse

getting to know my mom

missed, but because

and struggling through

and it felt like everyone

I watched the people

grief. I always felt like an

who played a major part

around me work hard

extra piece to everyone

in molding who I was

and build a life that was

else’s life puzzle. My

supposed to become was

comfortable. I grew up in

mother was focused on

now gone. “Forever” no

a small rural community

giving my brother and I

longer seemed endless

called Pisgah, in Southern

a comfortable life and I

but a time period that

Maryland. The nearest

just wanted to make sure

came to an end when a

town was Indian Head

I never gave her anything

person’s work was done.

– there was one grocery

extra to worry about. I had

In that same car and

store, a pharmacy, a

a few bad years in school

several years following my

bank, and a school. Yes, I

but I made a point to push

her effort and hard work

17

through high-school,

mom survive many days

I have learned in my

college, earn multiple post

that should have led to

prayer life and as my

graduate degrees, build

her final moments. There

relationship with God has

several brands and excel in

would be times when she

grown that sometimes,

my career. All as proof that

would simply pull up at

we are required to walk in

she did an amazing job in

her childhood home to

unfamiliar situations and

my life.

drop off my brother and I

share testimonies so that

but never go in to see her

others are reminded they

parents with fear that they

are not alone. I now make

While the journey was

would see the damage

it my mission to share

not easy, I appreciate

her abuser had done. I

with whoever my heart

every one of my valley

suppressed that torment,

tells me needs to hear a

moments. I look back on

and I kept her secret in a

word. As a child, I suffered

the years as a teenager

way that caused me to feel

through alone. I was

and ask myself “what the

like I could never trust a

programmed to remain

hell were you thinking”

man in my life so I would

silent. Never again. My

and in the same breath, I

surely not bring a child

purpose is to be the voice

thank God for keeping me.

in this world that would

of the voiceless and ask

I often sit back now and

have to remain silent in

questions. You never know

laugh at some of the things

fear. It was that Tuesday

what someone is going

I have been through or got

morning when I was told

through or what they have

away with. For as many

my mother was gone that

had to overcome so I tell

laughs, I also cry because

I roared. Every emotion,

people to be empathetic

I am still trying to figure

every pain that she held

in the unknown. Making

out what lesson I was

in, every scar that she hid,

assumptions may cause

supposed to learn through

I roared at the top of my

more unsolicited trauma. I

each phase. It took the

lungs to signify she was

pray that I am never in the

death of my mother to

free. I was on the road to

presence of someone who

finally hear the roar of

restoration. That release

is a victim to a situation

my voice. While I did so

opened so many doors

that I or my mother had

much in the background

and opportunities for

to deal with and I fail to

to protect my loved ones,

me to help women heal,

see the signs. While my

I also knew my place as

build and embrace their

resume reflects decades

a child. Before my tenth

creativity.

of higher educations,

I have Evolved.

birthday I watched my

outstanding accolades

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and accomplishments my true measure of success is the number of young people I encourage to pursue their dreams, the number of women that say “because of you”, and the number of lives that are saved because I share the details behind this story of a young girl that was lost, attempted suicide, nearly died, and couldn’t stand to look in the mirror is the same person that loves the life God gave her.

I am S.H.E. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4 LaTasha Briscoe, The Creative Strategist, Owner of LB Innovations Events, Founder of the LB Innovations Collective, Visionary of the Sweatpants and Chill Retreat, Educator behind the Biz of Blooms with LB and Biz Building with LB To stay connected to LaTasha Briscoe, you can follow: me@latashabriscoe.com | www.LaTashaBriscoe.com IG @CreativesCoach

LATASHA BRISCOE

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DR. THERESA A. MOSELEY

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I AM S.H.E. Solidifying, Hope, with Eagerness

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I’m not going to be silent.”

- Madeleine K. Albright

The late Madeleine K.

of joy, laughter, trials,

Albright, the 64thSecretary

and tribulations. Jo Ann

of State said, “It took

Fore, a certified life coach,

me quite a long time to

teacher, and author said,

develop a voice, and now

“When we share those

that I have it, I am not

stories we’ve been scared

going to be silent.” I feel

to share, voicelessness

the same way. For a long

loses its wicked grasp.”

time, I was silent. My

The women that were

thoughts or opinions did

co-authors in I AM S.H.E.

not matter. I was born in

shared stories on how they

the 50’s and raised in the

found their voice.

60’s when children were told you are to be seen and

I learned by watching

not heard. As I grew older,

my mother speak out on

I realized that everybody

things that were not right,

has a voice that is meant

especially in the name of

to be heard. We all have

children. My mother took

different gifts we need

me with her everywhere.

to share with the world,

One day in August of

and we need our voices

1965, my mother arrived

to get the message to the

at Haymount Elementary

world. We all have stories

School to register her

we need to share. The

five children. Haymount

stories of struggle, hope,

was a predominately

will, and faith. The stories

white school; however,

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it was our neighborhood

time now.” The next day

not live out their purpose

school. The secretary

we were registered. I

in life. Their life mattered.

told her she could not

was amazed how my

One student was a brilliant

register her kids because

mother took charge and

artist and the other was

we were colored. I just

used her voice to stand

a gifted football player.

knew that the secretary

up for her children. I

After these violent acts,

was in trouble because no

wondered if I would ever

I knew I had to use my

one told my mother NO.

be able to use my voice

voice to teach students to

As we walked out of that

and speak up on things

be peaceful. I had to teach

office, my mother looked

that mattered. It took a

them to communicate,

at her and said, “I’ll be

while, but after joining the

not retaliate. I had to teach

back!” My mother grabbed

Army, and leading troops,

them to have compassion

my hand and marched me

I discovered my voice. I

and empathy for others.

in the superintendent’s

discovered I had natural

I had to teach them to

office. She told him, “My

leadership skills. That little

attack the problem, not

husband fought in WWII

girl that was forced to be

the person. I realized after

and the Korean War.

an introvert was now an

taking a master’s class that

We pay property tax at

outgoing personality that

my gift is my voice and

1107 Chesterfield Drive.

was strategic, harmonious,

intuition, my passion is

Haymount Elementary is

and effervescent.

serving others, and my

our neighborhood school.

purpose was to make this

My kids will NOT be

I have worked in education

world a more peaceful

walking 5 miles to Number

for 28 years. As a former

place. This is my divine

10 anymore. You’d better

high school principal,

assignment. I encourage

tell that secretary to

I lost two students, one

all women to use their

register my kids or I will

to gun violence, and

voice to make a positive

be calling the President

another was beaten to

difference in the world.

of the United States!”

death in a park. I started

“Life is but a short road to

The superintendent

a campaign for No More

our ultimate destiny. Make

immediately called the

Violence. Every Friday we

peace, have compassion,

secretary on the phone

would wear our T Shirts:

and learn to love before

and told her to register

No More Violence, One

you get there.” Dr. Theresa

those Moseley kids

School, One Community,

A. Moseley

tomorrow. ‘Now don’t

One County at a Time. I

give Ms. Moseley a hard

lost two students who will

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Dr. Theresa A. Moseley is originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is a United StatesArmy Veteran, 7X Best Selling Author, 2x International Best Selling Author, 3x Award Winning Educator, and an inspirational and motivational speaker. Dr. Moseley is a world traveler.

She’s lived in Augsburg, Germany and Sinop, Turkey. Her international travels include Great Britain, Italy, France, Spain, Australia, Africa, New Zealand, Brazil, Morocco, Mexico, and Canada. Dr. Moseley is the CEO of TAM Creating Ambassadors of Peace LLC. Her company provides professional development on Transformational Leadership and how to create world peace. Dr. Moseley is developing a Passion Purpose Peace Academy to provide a service for people looking to find their divine purpose.

Moseley has been featured in over 300 news articles, numerous podcasts, and several magazine covers including Tap In Magazine and Women of Dignity Magazine. Dr. Moseley has been covered in numerous articles including Voyage Atlanta, SisterMySister Keeper, Vision and Purpose Lifestyle Magazine and Media, Speakers Magazine, and Phoenix Fitness Fanatics Magazine. Dr. Moseley has been recognized by Women of Dignity Magazine as one of the Top 25 Women to Watch in 2022. In 2021, she was recognized as Called 2 Inspire Author to Watch, Top Influencer Award National Nominee, Women of Virtue Walking in Excellence winner, Speaker of the Day, Top 50 Unstoppable Innovators, and Called 2 Inspire Top 50 Most Inspiring Women.

Website:www.creatingambassadorsofpeace.com Twitter: @CreatingTAM Facebook: Dr. Theresa A Moseley Instagram: @theresamoseley LinkedIn: Theresa A. Moseley Ph.D. YouTube: Dr. Theresa A. Moseley

DR. RENEE NEELY

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I AM S.H.E. Solidifying, Hope, with Eagerness

“People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.”

- Maya Angelou

A lioness in disguise! –

from school one day

Imagine a little Black

excited about her reading

girl, short in stature,

class with a huge smile on

wearing home-made

her face because she had

clothes that were sewn by

the opportunity to read

her mother; and being

another book. However,

raised in a predominantly

she did not know that her

White, Middle-class

mother would be very

neighborhood from Pre-K

disappointed with the

to 5th grade. This little

book she held so tightly

lioness had no idea that by

in her hand. Asked in a

the 1st grade, she would

loud, stern tone, “Who

be exposed to prejudice

gave you this book? The

and racism, a fatherless

little lioness replied in a

home, and a disconnected

soft and shaky voice, “This

relationship with her

is the reading book I was

mother, that would later

assigned by my teacher.”

cause her to find her roar

While feeling guilty as if

and become a voice for

she had done something

others.

wrong, she was dismissed to her room, and worried

It all began in Elementary

that tomorrow would be

School, where this little

troublesome. Just as she

lioness was known for

thought, on the following

appearing to be timid and

day, the little lioness found

voiceless. She came home

herself standing with her

26

mother in front of a tall,

the rage of her mother’s

the little lioness wondered

White, Vice Principal

roar that forced her into

what it would be like

who had a beat red face,

becoming the angry

to one day have a voice

and extra bass in his

lioness that she never

and a roar that would

voice: “She was assigned

wanted to become. The

make her mother and

a lower-level reading

internal rage of the little

her peers treat her with

book because most Black

lioness had become so

respect. During this time

kids that are quiet can’t

loud and began to show

period, her lack of self-

read.” At that moment

through her resentment

esteem showed through

the little lioness felt like

and disconnect with her

her negative attitude; her

her voice was silenced

mother. No one knew

subtle misbehaviors; and

and she wished she could

that the little lioness was

her inability to fit-in with

have roared but nothing

torn and broken on the

her so-called friends. She

came out of her mouth.

inside because she felt

even began to develop a

On the drive home, the

punished and bitter from

resentment for learning

little lioness felt the rage

having to take on the role

and a true hate for Math,

in her mother’s voice as

of an absent parent and

because she was always

she was being scolded and

constantly experiencing

compared to her siblings

told “when you are around

emotional turmoil because

who were Math rock stars.

White people you have

she was not cooking or

No one knew that every

to speak up and use your

cleaning fast enough or

time the little lioness got a

voice or they will think

unable to process her

Math homework problem

you are dumb!” From that

schoolwork as quickly as

incorrect, she would have

moment, the little lioness

her brothers; and more

to endure the disgust

knew that she would one

often than not told in a

in her mother’s eyes

day have to find her roar.

malicious tone, “Your

while her mother would

father isn’t here!”

randomly shove her index

The raging internal roar!

finger on the side of the

By the time the little

The making of the

little lioness’ temple, and

lioness reached the 4th

external roar! By Middle

say, “you are not thinking,

grade, her parents were

School, the little lioness

and you are not thinking

separated, and her father

hated who she was and

fast enough, so do it over,

left her and her 3 brothers

didn’t want to think about

and this time you better

to feel the wrath. From

who she could or would

get it right.” Consequently,

that day forward, it was

ever become. Yet and still

this was one of the turning

27

points of the little lioness’

quickly into a woman; still

Over the past 15-years this

roar going from being

short in stature, wearing

roar has been heard and

internal to external.

eyeglasses like a librarian,

remembered through the

humorous in her own way,

DC Public Charter School

Now others begin to see

but with an intellectual

education system and as a

and hear her roar! It’s

conversation that earned

Co-Founder of S.A.S.S.I.E.

the start of a new chapter

her a seat at some of the

Mentoring Inc. – where

and the little lioness has

best tables. The roar and

this lioness helps to build

reached her last 4-years of

voice she developed began

character and leadership

high school. She began to

to make others not only

skills within teen girls.

walk around with a tough

want to know who she

This lioness truly knows

exterior, with no smile on

was, but they also listened.

and believes –

the outside as if she had

This time her roar was

an electric fence guarding

unapologetic, clear, and a

and protecting all wrong

“People may not

force to be reckoned with.

moves against her. Not

This roar helped her to

remember exactly

knowing what her future

foster healthy peer and

included; graduating

adult relationships and

what you said, but

from high school with a

re-structured her mindset

grade point average not

they will always

into a person who would

representative of her full

later earn a: Bachelor’s

remember how you

potential; and having

degree in Political Science,

witnessed her mother do

a Master’s degree in

whatever it took for she

Counseling Psychology,

and her siblings to have

and a Doctorate degree

food and shelter; the little

in Clinical Psychology.

lioness decided to change

The roar of this woman

her thinking and instead

continues to be loud and

of starting from scratch,

has now been the voice

she simply started over.

for several children and families of many races,

The unpredicted roar!

classes, genders, and socio-

Fast forwarding to life

economic backgrounds.

after high school, the young lioness grew

what you did, or

made them feel.”

– Maya Angelou

28

29

DR. RENEE NEELY Dr. Renee Neely is a two-time Bowie State University alumni, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from The American School of Professional Psychology. For the past 16-years, she has served as a Clinical Psychologist within the District of Columbia Public Charter School System, where she is responsible for serving over 700 students and families in addition to over 100 staff persons. Prior to her current position, Dr. Neely served as a Congressional Fellow for Congressman “Bobby” Scott, VA (D).

In this role she

advocated for children and families by drafting legislation for initiatives within the areas of juvenile justice, education, health disparities, and workforce development.

Dr. Neely’s diverse work history also includes her dedication and commitment to serving as the Co-Founder for S.A.S.S.I.E. Mentoring Inc. and Board Member for the Every Girl Can Learning Institute and The Solid Foundation Inc. Most recently, Dr. Neely became the Co-Author of “Lioness Amplified: I Am She – The Collective” Dr. Neely’s member affiliations include the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

TAJALA BATTLELOCKHART

30

31

I AM S.H.E. She Believed She Could! So She Did!

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I’m not going to be silent.”

I AM Selfless – Selfless

I AM… Tajala Battle-

because God has shown

Lockhart

me that giving is such a major spiritual gift for

I AM closing the Book of

others that sometimes

Forty this year, looking

never truly experience

to start a whole new and

the true gift of humanity.

amazing journey in the

Giving of myself and

Book of Fifty starting in

seeing the blessings that

December!

come out of it is what I

- Madeleine K. Albright

want my legacy to be not

I AM a mother which is

things, not money but

my most honorable title

supporting others with the

I was gifted with fifteen

opportunity to just believe.

years ago.

I AM Hope – Hope to

I AM a first-time elected

others because I know the

official for the Charles

feeling of wanting more

County Board of

and the barriers that make

Education.

you feel that you cannot, and you just need that one person that knows you “Can’’ by your side.

I AM Certified Hospitality Educator and Hospitality Industry Expert of 28 + years which is where I

I AM Enough – Enough in

enjoy providing hope to

a world that continues to

others to succeed in life.

tell me, I am not!

32

I Am Founder/Executive Director of a 5019 ©3 nonprofit called Phenomenal Young Women Inc where I pour selflessly into young women.

I AM a CEO/Business Consultant of TAJ Consulting & Events where I support business owners with seeing the value of all things that their business has to offer.

I AM an amazon number one best-selling author.

I AM a multi-awarding winning entrepreneur and nonprofit executive.

I discovered my roar at different phases of my life for different reasons in those moments of my life.

I first discovered my roar as a child, I grew up with a single mom that lived a life that surrounded me with things at that time I did not understand.

However, it forced me to become a protector of my mother. {My mother’s life during that time was filled with domestic violence by men and drug use while trying her

33

best to raise me.} My next

So, I have lived my life

major discovery of my

hanging on to all those

roar is when I became

feelings for so long to

a mother, of course

show others that I am here

because I learned at such

to protect them from fear,

an early age the power

pain, and uncertainty.

of protecting your loved

However, in the here

ones (as a little girl tried

and now it has been so

my best to protect my

embedded in my life to

mother and keep her safe

be the protector, I forgot

from the men that was

all these years to protect

abusing her. ) however

myself.

this precious gift was like no other. (Becoming a

When I was in the

mother is a precious gift

space (space of fear and

because it took multiple

protector) as a child, I just

times to be blessed with

felt fear and I was afraid to

my daughter and after all

lose my mother. However,

I went through as a little

as a mother it was a lot

girl, I knew protecting her

of the same feelings of

was my greatest priority.)

not wanting to lose her

Now in this present day, I

and providing for her in

have recently discovered

a way that she never feels

that I have been roaring

those things that I felt

for a long time now for

when I was a child fighting

others and I have never

to be the protector.

truly roared for myself!

There was no real after in those spaces because

So, this opportunity right

it shifted for me from

here and right now was a

being that child to being

gift from God to discover

the mother thirty years

my very own personal

later continuing to do

roar. It is time for me to be

what I thought I did best

whole with my roar.

which was protecting and fighting for those I loved.

The above moments even

Fast forward to present in

when I did not know it, it

this new found space that I

taught me the power of

have now discovered, I feel

fear, pain, and uncertainty.

that God used this past

34

year and half to show me

not get me wrong the

much clarity to what I

the importance of time

work that has been done

need for me.

and peace. So, in the new

and what I am doing is

space, I am feeling a sense

amazing and rewarding in

However, I still need to

of hope, discovery and

His eyes however I never

find the tools to help

peace that surpasses all my

included, celebrated, or

me get there. There

previous understanding

protected me on that

is a certain type of

of what I have truly been

journey. I have spent my

atmosphere, I know

missing all these years for

life fighting for others

that it needs to be filled

me.

and losing very important

with people that are

people in my life. He has

greater than myself

As I reflect on this, I AM

shown me that it is time

which requires me to get

S.H.E journey and try to

for me to truly discover

uncomfortable on another

understand why now and

myself and what I have

level to get what I need.

why God chose me to be

to offer me in this next

This does make me feel

a part of this discovery.

Chapter of the Book of

extremely emotional

It’s because I feel that He

Fifty.

only because I thought

wants something different

that being a protector of

for me that I wasn’t

As I reflect on this new

others was an extremely

hearing from Him. I feel

journey, I am willing

important way to keep

He saw me in this stillness

to see myself as I never

people near, so you do

in such a different way

saw myself before. I

lose them however I

than prior to giving us this

will continue to wear

am learning that while

time when I was doing and

ownership and leadership

protecting others I lost

being for everyone else

as I have always worn it;

her. Now since I have

that I could hear Him nor

however, I see myself

discovered that I lost her

was I taking the time to

feeling different when I

and am looking forward to

talk to Him about me, it

wear it on this journey

discovering what SHE has

was always about others.

because I am more aware

to offer. This is going to

He sent people my way

of myself. I am aware of

require me to roar more

during the past year and

what I can and need to do

to get the things I need to

half to share some things

to be more confident. I

take me to the next level

that I never thought of

see more sun shining than

of becoming SHE the

because my life and my

rain and storms. This past

Lioness!

time was so routine and

year has been so cloudy,

filled at capacity. Do

however it brought so

This moment has not

35

had an opportunity to

within. Listening to her

quite shape my life yet;

butterflies, I have found

however, I am looking

the butterflies that we feel

forward to seeing what

in our stomachs are our

the future holds and if

best supporters of sharing

it is anything like the

with us when too and

rewards, I have been able

when not too. Lionesses

to accomplish with others’

are never afraid to

lives I am looking forward

celebrate and protect you

to making a much greater

first in order to be heard.

impact on my own life and

Sometimes we feel like we

my future. With my prior

are roaring and roaring

roars, I would never wish

loudly however because

to have done anything

we are not truly present,

different to protect and

we do not realize that

serve those that I loved,

there is no sound coming

love and touched through

out. So, Sis, remove

my work, family, and

yourself from all the noise

friends.

of life, wrong circles, and give yourself the time you

What advice I would give

need to discover you and

to another lioness that

your sound so we can truly

has not discovered her

hear you roar! We will be

roar is to be still and seek

waiting for you!

Remember my favorite quote has always been “She Believed She Could, So She Did!” however now on this new journey will read like this “She Believes She Can, So Hear Her Roar!”

You can find me… www.TAJ Consulting & Events.com www.PhenomenalYoungWomen.org www.TAJSpeaks.com

36

37

HONORABLE TAJALA BATTLE-LOCKHART Mrs. Tajala “Taj” Lockhart is the Certified Hospitality Educator with a passion for training up our future youth and young adults and coaching adults through adversity by providing industry recognized certifications and training that provides them an opportunity to become successful independent citizens. Tajala is an Elected Governing Board Member for Charles County Board of Education, Director of Programs & Education at Maryland Restaurant Association Education Foundation, CEO of TAJ Consulting & Events, Founder/Executive Director of Phenomenal Young Women, Inc a 501©3 Nonprofit, Multi #1 Best Selling Author and Adjunct Professor for the Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts Department at Prince George Community.

Tajala was awarded Entrepreneur & Women in Business, Nonprofit Star by National Nonprofit Minority Association, My Sister’s Keeper Award 2019 by The Sisterhood of Southern Maryland Organization, awarded ACHI Nonprofit Executive of the Year 2019, nominated for ACHI Women of Achievement 2019, recognized as one of 16 Faces of Influence 2019, two Executive Citation’s from Anne Arundel County Executive 2019 & 2020, awarded Entrepreneur of the Year Nonprofit 2019, 2020 Award of Excellence - Deborah C Bulgin Walking In Excellence and recognized as Southern Maryland Women to Watch 2021.

DAVETTA HENDERSON 38

39

* “There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice.”

- Michelle Obama

Two of the most

As I reached my mid-

important and memorable

fifties and life began to

days of my life were (1)

shift, I was given a divine

the day I first heard my

opportunity to fulfill

own roar and (2) the day I

my dream. All I had to

was given the opportunity

do was say, “yes.” My

to share that moment

“yes” led to my dream

with others through the

becoming reality. That

book anthology, “Lioness

divine opportunity

Amplified, I AM S.H.E,

allowed me to finally hear

The Collective.” I lived

my roar and begin to live

priceless years meeting the

my authentic life. One

expectations of everyone

opportunity opened doors

except myself. My story

to more opportunities.

is not new. I was a single

The opportunities created

parent, working my way

connections which opened

through college while

more doors. Saying “yes”

clawing my way up the

and hearing my lioness

corporate ladder. I had

roar birthed a new life and

no time to explore my

new dreams to be fulfilled.

dreams or hear my roar.

The following excerpt

My one dream, to author

from my chapter shares

a book, sat dormant in the

my “S.H.E.,” the joyful

back of my mind for years

moment I found my roar,

as I focused on fulfilling

and words to encourage

life’s expectations.

other lionesses on their journey.

40

I AM SEASONED I live a full and diverse life.

My life includes seasons of life events. Each event is sprinkled with life lessons.

Each lesson enriches my character. Those who get a taste of me now, experience a deeper, richer, and more robust me. There is nothing bland about me.

I AM HEROIC Life is filled with many challenges. I wake up each day knowing that I must fight to win. No matter how large the enemy, I come ready and expect to win. I come against all

he had a plan for my life.

productive all day. At that

There is only one me, and

moment, it was all about

I am here for a distinct

the doorbell.

purpose. As long as I am breathing that purpose is

I remember feeling

still being fulfilled. There

lightheaded when I

are lives that I must touch,

heard the doorbell ring. I

places I must go, and

opened the door to greet

things I must do. I am an

my book coach and her

essential part of God’s

husband standing there

ultimate plan.

wearing huge smiles

The Sound That Changed my Life

and holding two boxes.

They came in and sat the boxes on my kitchen

I remember the day like it

table. I ripped through

was yesterday. It was a day

the tape and picked up

that will live with me for

the final printed copy of

the rest of my life. It was

my first book, “The Seed,

the first time I heard the

The Soil, The Sower.” I

roar of my own voice.

am sure that we shared a celebratory moment and

It was a beautiful

that I graciously walked

Wednesday in August. The

them to the door to leave.

sun was shining down with

However, all I remember

a perfectly hot humid East

is standing alone in my

coast temperature. I was

kitchen with the book in

on vacation for the rest of

my hand, and feeling the

the week. Life was good.

sound of the long, loud,

I AM ESSENTIAL

The time was around

deep cry of my roar finally

6:00 p.m. I had been

letting itself out as I yelled

I believe God is the creator

anxiously waiting for my

“Hallelujah!” I was 58

of all things and that I

doorbell to ring since early

years old. My life would

am one of his creations.

that morning. I had not

never be the same.

Before God gave me life,

eaten or done anything

odds, knowing that my life is depending on me.

I cannot let life down.

Victory must always be my goal. I must be the hero in my own life story.

41

To other lionesses who are searching to hear their own roar over life’s expectations, obligations, frustrations, distractions, discouragement, and fear: Say “yes” to God. He is the true source of your life and answers dreams.

Do not forget that your roar does exist. Know that it is within, and it is valuable.

Do not accept the silence.

Use your voice to move you from the expected toward the unexpected.

Remember that you are S.H.E. Whatever that is for you. Be authentically you and be all right with who S.H.E. is.

42

Davetta

Henderson

is

a

native

of Washington,

DC,

still residing in the DMV area. With a B.S. Degree in Organizational Management, she has a 35-year professional career in Human Resources in the areas of Total Rewards and HR Systems. Beyond God, family, and corporate America, Davetta is committed to being her authentic self with a focus on her diverse passions and God-given gifts. Davetta is a licensed minister and speaker with a lifetime of testimonies of her experiences in “Shifting with the Times.”

Davetta

is a published author. She is the author of The Seed-The Soil-The Sower. She is also a contributing author in three Bestselling anthologies: Step Into Leadership Greatness, We All Grieve Differently, and Lioness Amplified-I AM S.H.E.The Collective. Davetta is the CEO of Full Faith Publishing, LLC with a personal niche in story development and editing.

She finds purpose in her passion for jewelry as the CEO of Davetta Jewels, LLC.

Connect with her through: Website :http://www.davettahenderson.com/ Website :http://www.davettajewels.com/ Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/davettajhenderson/ Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/davettajhenderson/ Linkedin :http://www.linkedin.com/in/davetta-henderson-81456a35

43

TELESHIA DELMAR

44

45

I am Teleshia Delmar, The Wives Confidante.

“People often say motivation doesn’t last. Neither does bathing— that’s why we recommend it daily.”

- Zig Ziglar

When I was in my early

I told the husband that his

20’s, I was invited to a

words were hurtful, and he

friend’s home for a small

didn’t seem to appreciate

gathering. As we all sat

the fact that gaining

and talked in the living

weight was a byproduct of

room, a husband started

his wife popping out his

talking about his wife in

four kids. I told him that it

an unkindly manner. He

was not nice that he would

made rude comments

say those things to her and

about his wife’s weight

about her. And I wanted

in front of us and I

him to know that what he

immediately felt bad

said was inappropriate and

for her. We all felt bad

made her feel bad. The

for her. His inability to

entire room became silent.

show his wife love and

He listened to me and

respect (especially in

didn’t respond.

front of company) just didn’t sit well with me at

I defended his wife. Not

all. I could see how she

because I had to, but

was embarrassed and

because I wanted to. I

ashamed. I had so much

wanted him to know that

empathy in my heart for

his words matter and that

her and I just couldn’t

he needed to be mindful

sit there in silence any

of his wife’s feelings. And

longer, so I decided to say

I wanted her to know that

something.

she didn’t deserve to hear

46

the words that he had said

I would say something.

So, I put the work in. In

about her and she should

My roar became louder

fact, both my husband and

not withdraw and suppress

and louder. Like in my

I went to counseling, both

her feelings but instead

own marriage…...

individually and together,

find her voice to express

and we put our marriage

her feelings to him at the

My hubby and I have

back together again, piece

right time.

been married for 21 years.

by piece.

Today, we are happily On the ride back home,

married but we couldn’t

All these circumstances

I reflected upon what I

say that in the early years

have paved the way for

said in that room. That

of our marriage. In fact,

what I do today. I was

moment was so satisfying

after we got married, we

operating on my purpose

for me. I was standing

were instantly plagued

well before my purpose

up for what I believed in,

with hardships. One of

became my passion.

and I wanted that wife to

those hardships was the

understand her self-worth,

time when my hubby

This is the main reason

even though her hubby

and I became glorified

why I became The Wives

didn’t seem to recognize

roommates.

Confidante.

time, but this moment was

Becoming glorified

Wives need clarity. Wives

a glimpse into the work

roommates is when

need courage. Wives need

that I do with wives now.

you and your spouse

confidence. And when

are physically together,

these three strengths

There were a few other

but you’re not really

collide, wives will be in the

instances in my life that

connected with each other

best position to elevate

occurred very similar to

emotionally. It’s when

their wife’s life!

the situation I previously

your marriage is built on

described. Whenever

sharing space, kids, and

My favorite quote is

I’m in the room with a

bills, and practically that’s

from Zig Ziglar who said

husband and wife, I am

it! My hubby and I were

that “People often say

always observing their

coexisting like roommates,

that motivation doesn’t

interaction with each

instead of like lovemates.

last. Well, neither does

other. I’m learning and

Our marriage had become

bathing - that’s why we

discerning. When I would

an empty shell. Our

recommend it daily.” I

see something that didn’t

marriage had lost the

love that quote as it

seem to demonstrate love,

passion it once had.

is a reminder that we

it. I didn’t know it at the

47

must be consistent in everything we do. We must be consistent in taking the time to love ourselves and practice self-care. We must be consistent in improving our communications.

We must be consistent in achieving greater intimacy.

It’s all about wives feeling more loved, feeling more heard, and feeling more appreciated.

Teleshia Delmar is The Wives Confidante. Her specialty is working with busy wives who are past the honeymoon stage, struggling with balance, and living like roommates with their spouse, sharing space, kids, and bills

Teleshia is a certified

because the marriage

Teleshia has been married

has lost the passion it

life coach, a certified

to her hubby, Kelvin, for

once had. Teleshia’s

Prepare/Enrich facilitator,

21 years, and they have

mission is to help wives

and a member of the

three children. Teleshia

prioritize your self-care,

American Association

used to be a good wife in

communicate more

for Marriage and Family

an okay marriage, and

effectively, and achieve

Therapy. To connect with

now she can say that she

greater intimacy so you

Teleshia, you can follow

is a happy wife in a happy

can give your spouse the

@WivesConfidante on

marriage. And she wants

best of you, not the rest of

Facebook, Instagram,

to help you too!

Clubhouse and LinkedIn.

you.

48

If you want to jump to the front of the line, you can take the Wife Personality Type quiz to better understand your wife's superpower and how you can use it to feel more loved, heard, and appreciated. Take the Wife Personality Type quiz at http://loversbond.com/ quiz/.

49

CHARLOTTE A MCDOWELL

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51

I revel in the beauty of hindsight.

The beauty of growth.

The beauty of being set free.

Instead of letting your hardships and failures discourage or exhaust you, let them inspire you.

- Michelle Obama

I have the unfortunate

am. The hostess was

fortune of remembering

having a housewarming

all too well too many

celebration outside on the

traumatic moments, when

deck for five friends. We

I have screamed but no

all traveled to attend the

one heard me. When

brunch from around the

I screamed but no one

DC, MD, VA (DMV) area.

came to save me. When I

Everyone looked nice and

screamed, and the sound

dressed well, because when

became silent to me -

you live in the DMV area,

within me. That moment,

brunch means dressing up

I heard my Roar.

in heels, sundresses and labels.

That moment, I discovered that I Am

When the guests began to

S.H.E. Sapphire, Healing,

say their good-byes and

Exuberant!

started to depart, I was the last to come out the house.

I came face-to-face with

Red (not the person’s real

one of my defilers on

name) was on FaceTime

FaceTime at a Brunch on

talking to his brother. I

Sunday, August 9,2020

walked out as Red was

during the COVID-19

handing the phone to

pandemic. It was a

our hostess. As I watched

beautiful Sunday morning

her laughing and kee-

and the temperature

kee’ing with Red’s brother,

was 80 degrees at 11:00

52

suddenly recognized

is completely aware of the

with him and I asked him

his voice. It was Black’s

situation with Black and

with concern, “Are you

voice. I felt numb, like I

what happened to me. I

OK? If you need help with

was losing control. Just

replied, “Sure. Why not.”

anything, let me know.”

45 minutes earlier I was in

They say that Karma is

such a good mood having

At that moment, I felt very

a Bitch! As I listened to

a great conversation on

nervous, but I knew I had

everything that Black was

the deck about purchasing

to do it! I knew that I had

dealing with, Karma is not

a new Mercedes or BMW.

started my H, my Healing.

what I wanted to see. But

I could hear that Black’s

it certainly was what God

Now my first thought

voice sounded all excited

wanted me to see and that

was, “Oh, Shit,” let me just

and asked, “Who? Who

was good enough for me.

stand over here and be

else is there? This must be

quiet. He does not know

a Day Party.” Red asked

Prior to having FaceTime

that I am here. This will

me if I was ready before

with Black, I started to

go by quickly. The mind

handing me the phone. I

work with a Confidence

thinks faster than we react!

said, “Sure.” As Red turned

Coach a few years earlier.

All this happened in 20

the phone toward me, I

So, I was prepared.

seconds. Black and the

stood Strong, Bold, and

Before, I would not have

hostess were laughing,

Confident. And I watched

taken the phone. I would

joking, and reminiscing

Black’s face change from

suppress my trauma

about our youth, when

smiling to looking like

and navigate through

suddenly Red turned to

he’d seen a ghost!

life’s journey masking

ask me, “Do you want

the pain, not facing it. I

to say, Hi?” At first, I

In that moment, that very

never wanted to be seen

pretended not to know

moment, I heard my Roar,

as fragile, or needy.

who was on the phone.

I saw my S, my Sapphire,

This behavior led me to

So, I asked, “Who is

my beauty, my inner

channel my behavior into

it?” Red simply replied,

peace. Black and his uncle

being strong and tough,

“It’s Black!” After that

no longer had a strong

not to care or even want

Red interrupted their

hold over me. Gathering

to get close to anyone. I

conversation and told

himself, Black said, “Wow!

am a sociable person and

Black to hold on because

Talk about a Blast from the

enjoyed hosting events

one more person was

Past!” I told him that I had

with family friends. So,

here. Keep in mind, Red

heard what was going on

not being able to freely

53

be open and trust was

What I call the I Am

and loved me. I have

challenging for me.

S.H.E feeling boosts

now come to embrace

my confidence! There

every painful path I have

Hearing my Roar… having

is nothing I cannot

embarked upon. Because

the lioness come out

accomplish. I have no

I am not allowing rapes to

for the first time was a

fear. What is the worst

define me, I am defining

profound experience.

that can happen to me,

myself, No more letting

Now, it is easier because

that has not happened

your beauty and growth

I do not feel a stronghold

to me already? I felt

hold you back.

hanging over me anymore.

Exuberant and still feel

After that conversation,

Exuberant. As you read

When you imagine your

I felt enriched and

this article you may think,

life just the way you want

was more receptive to

“I can’t do that” or “I am

it… Where are you? What

opening myself to love

scared” or “That is why I

are you doing? What is

again. I realized that I

stay to myself and single

your life like? Let go of

had defeated all the odds

now.” Guess what?! I had

things that are holding you

against me. There was

those same thoughts.

back and really consider

only Prosperity in my life.

what this means to you for Take back your power

a moment… Now, once

In the end, the hostess

today! As I got older, I

you have the vision, make

and I didn’t agree on the

had to learn to let go of

it powerful by writing it

situation that Black was

my anger and channel

down and declaring what

actually dealing with at

all my frustration into

you truly want for yourself

that moment. I had taken

building on my inner

and your life! Work your

back control and the

strength. My anger and

Plan!

power. I was no longer

frustration went towards

living in hindsight! Black

the people close to me

was witnessing the woman, who he and his uncle raped, transformed into a strong, confident, and E, my Exuberant Woman.

You can connect at Iamsapphire7@gmail.com I am S.H.E. Sapphire, Healing, Exuberant

54

Charlotte A opens the line of communication between clients, customers and businesses to get projects done. With over 15 years in management consulting, implementation, and collaboration, Charlotte is also a certified life coach.

Charlotte is advocate in helping to stop gender related sex trafficking.

Charlotte earned an MBA , American Intercontinental University In Project Management and BBA in Organization Psychology and Development. Hampton Roads native

55

AUTHOR TAUNYA LYNNETTE

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57

When did you hear your first roar?

Written by Taunya Lynnette

Encourage others and give hope to someone, so that they can continue to do something.

Author Taunya Lynnette “Just Being Me”

I heard my first roar when

walking on the runway

I was about twelve or

helped me overcome the

thirteen years old. One of

shyness that I had; I was

my friends’ mothers was

walking into a crowd and

a fashion designer and

everyone was looking, and

she asked me to model

they were fascinated with

some of her designs for

the clothing and my look.

a viewing. While I was

Walking on that runway

trying on the designs

was like coming out of my

and modeling, I felt

shell and into the light.

empowered. I don’t know if it was that walk through

Not long after I started

the audience or the feeling

modeling and doing

I had with the beautiful

fashion shows and every

clothes and how I felt with

time, I would step foot on

them on, or maybe it was

the center of the runway,

the push of the designer

that fire and roar was on

telling me that I did great

display.

and that I knew how to work the runway and the

The roar in me started

crowd. The elegant and

with confidence which is

confident walk was my

something that I always

first roar; I was confident,

believed that I had. As I

I was poised and ready to

matured into a young lady

conquer whatever came

that roar stayed with me

my way. I believe that

when it came to speaking up for what’s right or just

58

being able to do things

Science in Business

and I wanted to be heard

that I wanted to do and

Management, I completed

so I began to write and

feel good about doing

it with no student loan or

journal how I felt. Soon

it. I was never concerned

debt. It took me a little

thereafter I started writing

about what other people

longer than expected but

for a faith-based woman’s

think, I was more

when I walked across the

magazine that my church

concerned about what I

stage and received my

publishes. I wrote words

can do and how I can do it.

degree, there was a sense

of encouragement and

of accomplishment. I did

articles that inspired other

I believe that God put

it!! You see I attended

women. I loved that, it is

that roar in me to get

undergraduate full-time

a ROAR in its own right,

me through the many

and I worked a full-time

to be able to inspire others

life lessons that I would

job forty hours a week

and encourage them to be

endure over time. From

and I was taking four to

a better person. I became

a young girl to a woman

five classes a week and

the Author of my first

the roar has grown bigger

not getting home till after

book “Just Being Me” and

on different levels. That

9pm.

a Speaker as well.

roar comes when having a

now, I was a determined

sense of accomplishment

young lady. It’s nothing

Writing for me became

such as graduating high

that I hate more than

that loud ROAR where I

school and feeling like

to have something

can say what I want and

I am about to concur

incomplete, so it was very

express my feelings with

the world. When you

important for me to finish

no hesitation. Knowing

have finished twelve

what I started.

that others are affected

Thinking about it

years of school and now

by it and may take action

you can do whatever it

I’ll have to admit the roar

to better themselves in

is you want; the world

died down a little and it

their life journey is truly a

is yours. The roar gets

wasn’t until I became a

blessing in disguise.

bigger after the feeling

grown woman and lived

that things are going well,

life a little, I discovered

When you unleash your

and you have graduated

the gifts that God has

roar, you will feel a sense

college and received

blessed me with, and

of freedom. Freedom

your Undergraduate

the roar re-ignited in a

to do what you want,

degree without incurring

different way. The pain

freedom to speak up about

a student loan.

that I endured after the

what you believe in, the

I graduated college with

loss of my father sparked

freedom to be YOU. Do

a bachelor’s degree in

a new thing. I had a voice

not let anything or anyone

When

59

tell you anything different.

something. It boosted

a Queen, you were born

my confidence to another

with the flavor and fire

The majority of lions have

level. Every time I

within, let me hear you

scars that were obtained

accomplish a task or excel

ROAR!

from a fight; what have

in areas that others may

you fought for? Some

have doubted me, it feels

of us have physical scars

good. I have worked in

and some of us have scars

the field of Technology

that burn deep in our

for over twenty years

soul, but we overcome

and it has always been a

them. You may have

man’s game but when I

overcome something; you

can do what they can and

are an overcomer. You

sometimes even better,

overcame something, you

it feels good. I believe

overcame failure, fear,

women can do anything

addiction, generational

they put their minds to.

curses, sickness, you

Nothing can stop us.

overcame something!!

You overcame forgiveness,

“I AM S.H.E.” stands for

you overcame toxic

different things, but I

relationships. When you

would say my S.H.E is

overcame you unleashed

SHINING – HEALTHY –

your ROAR?

EMPOWERED.

Lions don’t hide their

I will rise and shine, my

scars, stop hiding your

health and wellness are

scars. It doesn’t matter

what keeps me going.

how much make-up you

Taking care of yourself,

have on; you can’t hide

keeping up with annual

the scar. When you cut

appointments and

out the nature of the

wellness exams are some

character, you look like a

of the keys to healthy

lamb, but you ROAR like

living. Being empowered

a lion.

and having the strength and courage to fight for

I believe that first walk

what I believe in. As a

on the runway, started

Black Woman, you are

60

61

Name: Taunya Lynnette Title: Author, Speaker, Content Creator, Wellness Advocate, Entrepreneur and business professional Website: https://www.taunyalynnette.com Instagram, twitter, & clubhouse: @mstaunyas Facebook: @taunyalynnette

Bio: Taunya Lynnette is a writer, content creator, and visionary.

She is a native of East Orange, New Jersey. She is an Author who amazes the world with her genuine ability to tell her own stories authentically.

A master storyteller, Taunya

speaks from the heart with realness, honesty and humor.

Her readers will draw inspiration from her real-life stories and spiritual journey. Taunya writes from her heart and soul with power and passion to inspire others.

Taunya is the CEO and owner of TLS Media Group LLC, where she writes, creates, and publishes content. Taunya is currently developing multiple film & TV projects for 2022.

She is the Author of “Just Being Me” and has published several writing journals.

Taunya is a graduate of Bowie State University and received her Master’s in Science degree in Management Information Systems with a concentration in Information Security, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Rutgers, The State University of Newark, New Jersey

AUDRA L. HILL

62

63

I AM S.H.E. I AM SAFE, HEALED & EMPOWERED!!!

Greetings Sister Lioness! I

years. Though I was no

AM Audra L. Hill.

longer experiencing those adolescent horrors, little

I AM a 51-year-old Queen,

did I know I was still being

who is also blessed to be a

repeatedly tormented

Mother, Preacher, Speaker,

by the experiences I was

Author of From Trauma

reliving. Paradoxically,

to Transformation: All

I was physically safe,

Things New! I AM also

while bound spiritually,

called to serve as a Trauma

mentally and emotionally.

Healing & Transformation

Now, as I continue my

Advocate for those who

necessary healing work, I

desire to learn what it

feel and know I AM SAFE!

means to heal God’s Way! Not only am I safe, I AM Beginning at age eight,

HEALED & HEALING!

childhood trauma

When I tell you that

jeopardized my safety,

God’s love and word have

health and ability to

brought healing to every

believe my existence

area of my life…it’s true!

mattered, and I concluded

I’m no longer the same.

I was powerless. And

Yet, I want to encourage us

even though the

to remember that healing/

maltreatment ended

recovery manifests

when I was eighteen, the

over time. Therefore, I

impact of the trauma

reiterate…I AM HEALED &

persisted for almost 30

HEALING!

64

Finally, I AM

ROAR communicates our

was trusted and needed,

EMPOWERED! After

PRESENCE, POWER &

particularly in that

decades of living in a

PURPOSE!

moment.

regarding my identity,

It was the fourth Sunday

As I proceeded in my

I now know who I am.

in May, sometime in the

assignment, I knew I was

There were so many

90’s, when I first heard my

doing so from POWER

years I lacked hope and

ROAR. It was our Annual

which was present in me,

despised my existence,

Women’s Day, and I was

through the indwelling

because my journey had

assigned a particular song

of God’s Spirit. As we

stripped me of my power…

to study, for the purpose

continued to minister

or rather, the awareness

of directing our Mass

in song, the atmosphere

of such. God’s love and

Choir in song. However,

shifted. Though no longer

word have and continue

on the morning of, I was

able to recall the title and

to provide me with the

informed that I was also

lyrics of the song, or all

enlightenment necessary

needed to serve as the lead

of what I was singing and

to make me aware of who

singer for the song.

speaking at that time,

state of bewilderment

I do remember God

I am through His eyes only! And to know why I

Though incredibly

leading me to impress

must always celebrate the

nervous, I felt an

upon those who desired

fact that He intentionally

unexplainable sense of

to make Jesus their Lord

created me to fulfill His

calm. After all, I knew God

and Savior, not to wait

purposes!

was with me. I had given

until after the sermon;

much time to studying

but to move right then!

I AM S.H.E...the

the music, and so I knew

Just imagine a sanctuary

Lioness who is NOW

the song, like I knew my

filled to capacity with 500

able to declare that I

name. Additionally, our

plus persons, with the

AM SAFE, HEALED &

First Lady (Pastor’s wife)

majority responding to the

EMPOWERED!!

and Minister of Music

presence of God, in a way

expressed they were

which glorified Him! The

As a Lioness, our ROAR

confident I could handle

energy in the sanctuary

provides great insight

my revised assignment.

was what I would

regarding who we are.

Therefore, I moved

describe as beautifully

Whether living in the wild,

forward that day, knowing

overwhelming!

or we who are lionesses of

and understanding all

humanity, I believe our

my PRESENCE signified,

65

This “Invitation” which

God had used me in that

And for that I give God all

God led me to extend,

moment to “preach my

glory, honor and praise!!

was usually led by my

initial sermon.” Honestly

pastor at that time, after

though, I didn’t “receive”

All of that is particularly

he had finished preaching.

the reference to the call

important to be grateful

Yet, little by little, we

to preach at the time.

for, when I consider

all witnessed God using

However, I was fully

that my childhood pain

me individually, and

persuaded that God used

caused me to believe my

collectively with our music

that moment to awaken

ROAR…my VOICE wasn’t

ministry, to deliver His

me to the possibility that

important. Because at

intended message for that

His predestined plan

eight years old, my cries

day! His move in that

was to use my voice…my

for help, protection and

moment is still difficult to

ROAR to provoke healthy

safety were unfortunately

fully explain! All I know

transformation in the lives

ignored by loved ones

is the more I declared the

of others.

who honestly were unaware of their own

SAVING GRACE of JESUS CHRIST, the more I felt

Now, 20 plus years later,

history of pain. As a

and knew the POWER of

I have accepted God’s

result, my traumatizer felt

God was at work in and

call on my life, and have

comfortable and confident

through me. And God

been formally preaching

to continue with their

was using the pastor and

since my initial sermon on

abuse, through physical

people to encourage me to

September 12, 2018. Based

acts, and threatening to

continue, in accordance to

on personal testimonies

kill all my loved ones

God’s will.

that have been shared with

if I made any further

me from persons who

attempts to uncover their

It was during this God-

have heard me preach,

heinous acts! The devil

ordained moment

teach or speak…they

used this person, along

that I first heard and

have been encouraged,

with their physical and

experienced the

empowered and inspired

verbal abuse to suppress

PRESENCE, POWER and

by my ministry, which

my ROAR…my VOICE!

PURPOSE of my ROAR!

have served to change the

Consequently, I became

And as confirmation came

trajectory of their lives

convinced I lacked power,

after service through

for the better. I’m living

that my presence was

various personalities, the

my life on purpose…while

insignificant, and that my

echoing belief was that

fulfilling my purpose!

only purpose was to suffer!

66

Can you identify in any

with you? Then hear my

As my sister lioness, I

way with my testimony?

ROAR to speak more

welcome you to stay in

For 28 years, I lived in

directly to you, informing

touch with me through

a state of hopelessness,

or reminding you of Who

these social media

completely oblivious to

and Whose you are! You

platforms:

the PRESENCE, POWER

are a Lioness…a Queen!

& PURPOSE of my ROAR

God LOVES YOU and has

Facebook AudraLiticia

as a Lioness...a Queen!

great plans prepared for

Instagram @AudraLHill

That was until…

you! ( Jeremiah 29:11)

YouTube AudraLHill

My journey has and is

God desires that you

I also ask that you would

teaching me that if we

become aware of and

visit my website at www.

desire to experience the

consistently experience

AudraLHill.com. There

powerful, impactful and

the PRESENCE, POWER

you will find products/

purposeful life of victory

AND PURPOSE of your

resources created to

God intended for us, we

unique ROAR! Should

minister to you, as you

must implement these

you need someone to

travel on your unique

words of wisdom found in

cheer you on and provide

journey of healing and

Proverbs 3:5-6 (New King

the encouragement,

transformation. While

James Version) in our daily

empowerment or

there, please seize the

walk…

inspiration you need…

opportunity to join my

know that I am here to

email list. That way

cheer you on!

you will be the first

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

to know about new Hear my final ROAR….

products, services and

And lean not on your own

YOU’VE GOT THIS! As

upcoming events! I look

understanding;

long as you have breath in

forward to us Healing

your body, it’s not too late

& Transforming…

6 In all your ways

to give God permission to

TOGETHER!

acknowledge Him,

heal and transform your

And He shall [a]direct your paths.

Sister Lioness, did any part of my story resonate

life. JUST DON’T GIVE UP, because better and brighter days await you!

(Psalm 30:11-12; Psalm 138:8)

67

SELENA ROBINSON

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69

I AM S.H.E. I am Spirited, Harmonious, Empathetic

Greetings, let me

emotions. But even

introduce myself to some

though I am S.H.E, there

and reintroduce myself to

are times when S.H.E

others.

is not operating at her full potential, and the

My name is Selena

representative shows up as

Robinson. I boast about

a weak vessel. Her spirit is

being spirited because

broken, her relationships

many describe me as

are toxic, and her best

being energetic, animated,

friend is called apathy.

and spunky. I have been

Allow me to share an

known to go with the

experience with you that

flow and to embrace

I had about ten years

spontaneity on many

ago, where the S.H.E

levels. I declare myself

was dismantled, and the

harmonious because

representative appeared,

I am generally in tune

and I stopped hearing my

with myself, much like

voice. But the sound of my

a good melody, and I

voice was re-birthed and

value tranquility and

stimulated by the ROAR of

contentment. Lastly, I am

another’s voice.

empathetic by nature as I am a feeler. I tend to feel what other people think, as it is not uncommon for me to mirror their

The Play Back, The Lioness Roar of Another’s Voice

70

So, I remember this

never forget was created

who was well over 80 years

moment so vividly,

that day. All my guests

old. Let’s call her Mama.

as I call every year a

arrived that day except for

Mama was so sweet, wise,

national holiday, my

one; I wonder if you can

and she was a woman that

birthday weekend. I was

guess who that was. Well,

spoke very little, but when

so happy because a close

let’s say if you said my

she spoke, it was potent. I

friend surprised me

Boo, you would be correct.

respected Mama because

with a gesture to throw

I recall walking around

she was twice my age. I sat

a pool party for me to

the party looking at my

down to eat, and while I

commemorate my special

watch and the door to see

was eating, my girlfriend

day on that Saturday. So, I

if he would show up. The

posed a question to Mama;

invited some of my family,

guest was asking where he

she said, “Mama, what

friends, and my Boo. I was

was, and I embarrassingly

did you think of Selena’s

feeling extremely excited

would answer I am not

Boyfriend not showing

because I love gatherings,

sure. The fake smile was

up to her birthday

but more importantly, I

plastered all over my

party yesterday.” Again,

love creating memories. I

face as I forced myself to

remember Mama seldom

remember waking up that

pretend that I had the time

spoke; she looked up at

Saturday morning at her

of my life. I knew Boo, and

me, looked down, then

house feeling like a kid in

I were not in an ideal space

looked at me again and

a candy store; it was my

in our relationship, but

said five words. Those

birthday. I was dressed in a

I certainly did not think

words she spoke would

cute outfit feeling thankful

it was bad enough not to

pierce me like the voice

that I had made it to see

show up to my birthday

of great thunder. It

another year. The sun

event. Nevertheless, he

was a ROAR that I will

was beaming, and I knew

was a no-show and the

never forget. She said

I would see all those who

night ended with a void

these words, “THAT’S

were invited in just a few

in my heart that was

JUST SOMEBODY SHE

hours. This was my special

indescribable. But what

KNOWS.” My girlfriend

day. I would eat until I

happened the next day was

and I just looked at each

could eat no more, I would

nothing but a divine order.

other with dismay. You

dance to my favorite song,

see, these words landed

the Percolator, and I would

I woke up to the aroma of

hard in my spirit because

create another memory

a home cooked breakfast.

this had been my Boo for

for the books.

I went to the kitchen

over eight years on and

where I was greeted by my

off.

Well, a memory that I will

girlfriend and her mom,

71

I had been questioning

relationship that was not

unsatisfying, but I thought

the relevance of this

serving me well. I realized

that the alternative of

relationship for many

from this encounter that

being alone was not

years. Mama’s words

lioness Roar does not

preferable. Moreover, I

resonated with me that

always have to be negative.

felt like I had invested

morning because she did

Much like a male lion,

a lot of time in the

not know we were having

Mama’s roar helped me

relationship, and I did not

difficulties; she did not

move the intruder away

want to start over. I told

know anything about him,

that was invading my

myself that something is

but what she did deduce

heart. Mama’s words

better than nothing and

was that indeed, he could

were my warning of

knowing what I had was

not care that much about

potential danger. Mama

better than not knowing

me, not at least to call or

was protecting her Cub

what I would get. In my

show up for me. At that

with her intuition. There

mind, the uncertainty and

very moment, I recall so

was something in the way

the change were more

many emotions running

Mama spoke those words

challenging to deal with. I

through my body: sadness,

that was different from

told myself that he made

anger, and anxiety. You

anything I had heard

me reasonably happy, so

see, I had silenced the

before. It definitely got my

I allowed myself to make

voice of reason many

attention and caused me

him fit the image of what

years ago, and I began

to ponder.

I was looking for. I found

settling for something less

this to be true for so many

roar, mighty but gentle,

The Aftermath of the Lioness ROAR

stabilized me and allowed

After Mama’s roar, I

me that when you want

me to hear my Lioness

realized I had to ask

the right person, you have

Roar again. I realized

myself some important

to leave no room for the

at that moment that

questions. Two questions

wrong one.

sometimes the roar of

came to mind. One, why

your voice is stimulated

was I settling, and Two,

Secondly, why was I not

or birthed from the roar

why was I not enough.

enough to value myself.

than I deserved. Mama’s

women, not just me.

Mama’s words reminded

After some reflection, I

of someone else’s voice.

That day my roar was

I believe I was settling out

realized that I had some

sparked, and it allowed

of habit and convenience.

hidden core beliefs that

me to open the front

I knew in my heart that

were taken center stage.

door and walk out of a

the relationship was

I had abandonment and rejection issues, and as a

72

result, I had trouble letting

to speak the truth as she

through life a little more

go. I had difficulty creating

saw it, and I will be forever

gracefully.

healthy boundaries. I

grateful. I recall a saying

needed to remind myself

that says “We don’t change

me stones, but I keep

that there was more right

what we don’t name.” Until

finding the diamonds.

with me than wrong.

recently, I never thought

(Ana Antunes)

Building my self-esteem

of a ROAR as pride and

became paramount.

strength.

My lioness ROAR inspired me to inspire others.

Because Mama’s roar inspired me, I now make it a point to inspire others with my voice and writing by genuinely speaking

The Lioness ROAR Prescription for Others.

• Don’t rely on your emotions, but rather pursue rational deliberation • Remember, you want

of my experiences and

to be celebrated, not

lessons learned. I try to

tolerated.

add value to other’s lives as Mama did for me. I choose to be vulnerable and share my successes and my failures to help others understand that they are not the only ones with challenges.

One of the most key lessons I got from Mama was to practice “carefrontation,” the caring

• Trust your gut- your inner spirit.

• Life keeps throwing

• Create memories and strengthen relationships.

In closing, I want to underscore that there will be times when you will become frazzled by events in your life that will alter your true self but remember that you have a lioness Roar in you, be still and listen and let it guide you. Also, note that the roar can come from you or someone else.

• Love the relationship for what it was, not what

Periodically I reach out

it has become, move

and rejoice that I heard

on gracefully, and don’t

the ROAR!

expect closure • Practice self-care-, self-kindness, and selfforgiveness

R-reach O-out A-and R-rejoice

• Rediscover your true

and confrontation of

self, and reintroduce

others- that is what Mama

yourself to yourself

did for me. She did not

Two Quotes that have

have to say a word, but

become my Mantras

she cared enough for me

that help me move

Thank you, Mama!

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DR. MONICA D. REED

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I AM S.H.E. Shielding Her Empire

My eyes closed, my

At that moment, I knew

husband and children

that I had done all that

standing in a circle holding

I could to Shield Her

hands for prayer. The tears

Empire.

began to run down my face. Tears of happiness.

Rewind the time with me...

Tears of gratitude.

I was sitting in my car Totally embodied in

listening to Yolanda Adam

worshiping while weeping,

- “Open My Heart”. The

I would hear the words hit

lyrics would go on to say,

the microphone and the

“Alone in a world, it’s just

bass loudly playing in my

me and you, I am so lost I

ear. “We are standing here

don’t know what to do”

only because you made a way. You move mountains,

As the song plays now, all I

you cause walls to fall.

can think of is the promise

With your power, you

that He made to me as a

brought Miracles” the

broken, lost and confused

words of “You Made a

sixteen girl who had felt

Way” sung by Travis

like it was the end of the

Greene.

world at that moment.

Totally grateful that He

After gathering my

would entrust me with

thoughts and emotions,

not one but four of his

I went home with the

children.

strength that I needed to

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come up with a plan to

kids, others would begin

Just when I thought that

support, love and protect

to challenge my way of

I was healed. How in the

the little human entering

parenting and ridicule the

world did I find myself cut

an uncertain world.

love that we had. At the

again. The people around

time I could figure out

me, my very own family,

I made a promise at

why the outsiders were so

the people who I lived for

that moment to protect

mad.

and supported for years -

my child and any other

cut me!

children that He would

See for years my husband

give me from harm or

and I made a conscious

I thought the song said,

danger. I would raise them

decision to ignore the

“No weapons formed

close to me and listen to

negativity that was

against me shall prosper. It

them and who they are

happening outside of

won’t work.”

and build the family in

our home. We would

which I wish I had.

always say, we may not

THIS was the moment

have much but we have

that I spiritually lost my

He sent me a man who

everything we need inside

faith. I felt like a true

agreed to take on life

of our home. Our love for

lioness.

with me and to raise my

our children.

At that moment, I felt my

children. I can honestly say that we truly did our

That was until the outside

home was trespassed. It

best as young parents.

began to try and lure my

was my job to protect my

child outside of their

children (cubs).

So, how do we get to the

home. People began

point of destruction and

to try to get into their

Something had to be done.

dysfunction within a home

heads and slowly taint

It was time to SHIELD

that was loving and full of

their minds with lies and

HER EMPIRE!

laughter twenty years later.

manipulation.

My children were fighting

I intentionally built this

and crying like I had never

I spent years self-healing

family on love and unity

seen before. How did a

and working to get

and no one was going to

family that I built on love,

through the trauma of

come in and harm them.

unity and happiness seem

my life. However in this

Their minds, body or soul.

to begin to all fall apart?

moment, I felt as if my family had cut me from a

Then it dawned on me.

See while raising my

different angle.

I immediately sprung into action to shut the

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outsiders who knew they

My name is Dr. Monica

couldn’t get to me off.

D. Reed, #1 Family Transformational Coach &

It was time to take my

Speaker

POWER back. It was time for me to reclaim my

Facebook & Instagram:

VOICE. It was time to

@Monicadreed

STAND up to the outside

Stay connected at

predators.

www.MonicaDReed.com

It was time for me to protect my children from the dysfunctions that I grew up witnessing.

It was time to BREAK the CYCLES of the dysfunctional family that I was born into.

It was time to heal generational hurts in order to build my generational legacy.

It was time for this girl to put on the FULL armor of God as I continue to “SHIELDING HER EMPIRE”.

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“ “ YO U R S TO RY I S

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I M P O RTA N T.” -Lisa Nichols

SANIYA I. REED

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“Digital Diva” Self-Love Certified Speaker, Author & Confidence Coach

Hi, my name is Saniya

is my mission because I

Reed. I am the C.E.O. and

know it feels like not to be

founder of Digital Diva.

confident or have self-love.

You may be asking, what is Digital Diva? Digital

I have developed this

Diva is an online boutique

blueprint so that YOU and

that sells accessories and

everyone in this world

apparel that helps build

can carry confidence

confidence and self-love

with themselves in their

for young girls and a self-

phones.

love coaching program called “BE THE LIGHT.”

So let’s talk about what D.I.V.A. stands for?

Digital Diva was created to capture the beauty and love of young girls from the inside and out.

D - DON’T ever speak negatively about yourself The way we talk to

I chose the name digital

ourselves is how we show

diva because you need a

up to the rest of the world.

digital device to capture

We have to be careful of

your photos to see

our thoughts and words

yourself and discover

that we say because our

your beauty, so that is

inner voice will control

why it is called Digital

the confidence that other

Diva. Helping people find

people see. So if you want

self-love and confidence

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others to love you, it’s essential for you to love yoursef first.

I -IMAGINE - Imagine Yourself as the most CONFIDENT person in the room You will always be the person you can see.

Remember to talk and walk with your head held up high.

V - VALIDATION Validate yourself.

Know who you are so that you don’t seek validation from other people. Their opinion of you is none of your business.

A-AWAKEN your inner beauty through your camera It is essential to awaken your inner beauty and capture it from the outside. We do this by taking a selfie.

SO LET’S PRACTICE! • Stand up!

• Place your hand on your hip!

• Hold your head up high!

• Straighten up your back to have a powerful pose!

• Pull out your camera and capture ALL of your confidence!

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“mostly, the world sees you the way you see yourself.”

- Lisa Nichols

LOOK INTO YOUR CAMERA - WHAT DO YOU SEE? I HOPE YOU SEE WHAT WE SEE….

• You are BEAUTIFUL! You are SMART! • You are BRAVE! • BE CONFIDENT! Remember, To keep confidence, you want to practice gratitude, improve your self-talk and take daily selfies to find self-love and always carry confidence.

Now... CARRY that CONFIDENCE & REMEMBER “BE THE LIGHT” My name is Saniya I. Reed.

You can follow me on all social media platforms.

To find out more information about our products and service, go to www. saniyareed.com

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SANIYA I. REED Saniya I. Reed is a 13-year-

renowned motivational

Saniya is a certified public

old 4x #1 Best-selling

speaker, the legendary Mr.

speaker and a kids coach.

Author who has a desire to

Les Brown.

Her signature messages

change the world. Saniya

include “Building &

was born and raised

Saniya has always

Carrying Confidence,”

in Ewing, New Jersey,

been independent and

“Peer-to-Peer Bullying,”

and currently resides in

observant since an early

“Changing the Narrative

Atlanta, Georgia. She is the

age. Saniya recently

Makes the Difference, and

third middle child of four

became the first investor

“Life’s Possibilities are

to Dr. Monica D. Reed,

in her family at the age of

Unlimited.”

Motivational Speaker, and

12 and is determined to

Tywayne Reed, Sr.

understand stocks, trading,

Saniya is currently

and financial literacy. She

working on becoming

Saniya is an international

enjoys singing, writing,

a certified “Wisdom &

motivational speaker

and watching her favorite

Confidence” coach and

certified by the Young

shows, including Fuller

will be launching her new

Moguls Speakers Academy.

House & One-on-One.

program, “Be The Light,”

She has published her

Saniya has a passion

for young girls ages 7-11.

solo book “Digital Diva”

& love for fashion and

She is truly a young mogul

and placed her “I AM the

embraced style early.

on the move.

hands of Hollywood star

Saniya is a natural creative.

Her goal is to travel the

Tiffany Haddish. Saniya’s

She is currently designing

world, speak and help

publications have been

her inspirational clothing

others find love within

featured by ABC, CBS,

& accessories product line

themselves and spread

NBC, CNN, BlackNews.

called “Digital Diva” to

love to others. Saniya is

com, and other media

inspire people worldwide

working hard to build

outlets. In addition, she

to capture their confidence

a solid foundation for a

has delivered keynote

through the lens of the

bright and prosperous

presentations on the

camera. Her new online

future.

same platforms as Dr.

includes apparel and

Cheryl Wood and a world-

accessories that help build

VOICE” publication in the

confidence for young girls.

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PARIS NORWOOD

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Interview

How to Identify Signs of Childhood Molestation Live Stream Interview

School Psychologist, Paris Norwood, M.A., Psy.S

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